why make this recipe
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings a perfect blend of flavors together. The crispy bacon and creamy cheddar cheese create a rich taste that is hard to resist. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it the perfect choice for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal. This soup not only fills your belly but also brings a sense of warmth on a chilly day.
how to make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 8-10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1-2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic)
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½-1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 16 oz gnocchi
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
Directions
- Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove it from the pot, chop it, and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the butter or olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and sliced carrots until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder (or minced garlic), dried thyme, and the red chili flakes (if using). Stir continuously until all ingredients are well combined.
- Add the gnocchi to the soup and cook for 2 minutes or until they become tender and soft.
- Gently stir in the chopped bacon, adjust the seasoning to taste, and serve hot!
how to serve Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Serve this soup hot in bowls. You can top each bowl with a little extra shredded cheese or some more crispy bacon for added flavor and crunch. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
how to store Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it down before freezing and use a freezer-safe container.
tips to make Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
- Make sure to crisp the bacon well; this adds great flavor to the soup.
- Stir the soup often after adding the cream to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- You can use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh but adjust the cooking time as needed.
variation
You can add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Also, try different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of bacon?
Yes! You can use diced ham or turkey bacon for a lighter option.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes! You can skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also replace the cream with a non-dairy alternative.
3. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly fine and saves you time in the kitchen.
Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8-10 slices slices bacon, cooked and chopped Make sure to crisp the bacon well.
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil Use either based on preference.
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1-2 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder Or 4 cloves minced garlic.
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½-1 tsp red chili flakes Optional for a spicy kick.
- 16 oz gnocchi Frozen gnocchi can be used, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Use medium or sharp cheddar.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove it from the pot, chop it, and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the butter or olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and sliced carrots until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Cooking
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder (or minced garlic), dried thyme, and red chili flakes (if using) until all ingredients are well combined.
- Add the gnocchi to the soup and cook for 2 minutes or until they become tender and soft.
- Gently stir in the chopped bacon, adjust the seasoning to taste, and serve hot.